CAWA is joining a community press conference to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. The purpose of this Press Conference is to recognize the landmark repeal decision and to protect the civil rights of Chinese Americans so that this exclusionary history will not be repeated.

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 barred Chinese immigration and naturalization solely based on their race and national origin. The law denied Chinese workers’ legal entry into the United States and greatly impeded the assimilation and delayed the formation of Chinese American families and communities for over 60 years. President Franklin D. Roosevelt repealed the exclusionary act in 1943 when the United States and China were allies during World War II.

While we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the repeal, Chinese Americans today are again facing increased discriminatory policies including alien land laws and racial profiling against scientists and researchers as the result of worsening US-China relations. Against the backdrop of rising “anti-Asian sentiment” in the United States and the strained relations between the U.S.
and China, this press conference holds special significance. Please join us to commemorate the history, recognize the significant progress in equal rights, and reaffirm our commitment to equality and justice for all Americans.

Chinese American Women in Action is proud to be one of the DuPage County Small Nonprofit Grant recipients in District 5. Thank you, Board Member Dawn DeSart for your encouragement and belief in our program for CAWA Youth, and thank you to Board Member Patty Gustin for showing me the process. We appreciate the DuPage County Board’s recognition that a small grant for a small nonprofit can go a long way in serving and making an enormous impact in our communities.

1980s Detroit was a volatile place to live, but above the fray stood a safe haven: Chung’s Cantonese Cuisine, where anyone—from the city’s first Black mayor to the local drag queens, from a big-time Hollywood star to elderly Jewish couples—could sit down for a warm, home-cooked meal. Here was where, beneath a bright-red awning and surrounded by his multigenerational family, filmmaker and activist Curtis Chin came of age; where he learned to embrace his identity as a gay ABC, or American-born Chinese; where he navigated the divided city’s spiraling misfortunes; and where—between helpings of almond boneless chicken, sweet-and-sour pork, and some of his own, less-savory culinary concoctions—he realized just how much he had to offer to the world, to his beloved family, and to himself.

“As a kid who also ran around in the back of a Chinese restaurant, this book is literary comfort food, so delicious and good for the soul. Curtis Chin’s story of coming of age and coming out is endearing and unforgettable.”

—JAMIE FORD, AUTHOR OF THE MANY DAUGHTERS OF AFONG MAY

On January 28, 2023 Chinese American Women in Action (CAWA) and Naperville Bank & Trust hosted an event to commemorate the release of the Anna May Wong Quarter and to celebrate the Chinese New Year.  

The historic inclusion of Anna May Wong, the first time an Asian American ever appears on U.S. currency, inspired almost 150 children and adults to attend on a snowy day to receive the AMW Wong Quarter in a red envelope as a Chinese New Year tradition.

Anna May Wong was the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood. She appeared in more than 60 movies, including silent films and one of the first movies made in Technicolor. The U.S. Mint selected her because she was “a courageous advocate who championed increased representation and more multi-dimensional roles for Asian American actors.” 

CAWA is proud to partner with Naperville Bank & Trust to bring people together as one community.  CAWA continues Anna May Wong’s fight for fairness and representation.  

CAWA’s successful book drive in which we raised almost $7,000 this summer in partnership with Anderson’s Bookshop culminated in a Book Donation Ceremony on September 26.  At the ceremony, we donated 555 books on Asian American history, contributions and experiences to the superintendents of Naperville School Districts 203 and 204. 

These books will go on to Naperville school libraries and classrooms to advance cross-cultural understanding, build bridges for all students, and ultimately counter anti-Asian racism. The books will provide resources to teachers and students as they begin teaching and learning about Asian American history as required by TEAACH Act in Illinois.

We thank you for your support of the project. CAWA is making progress on our mission of promoting civic engagement and helping to achieve a sense of belongings for people of all ages and backgrounds. 

Additional media coverages are Chicago Chinese News, the Naperville District 203 Facebook page, and Sinovision.